COLLEGE FOOTBALL REPORT

By WILLIAM N. WALLACE

Published: December 7, 1996

TODAY'S KEY GAMES

No. 22 Army (9-1) vs. Navy (8-2) at Philadelphia

For the first time since 1967 both come to this game with winning records. However, of the 13 teams they defeated --- four were common opponents --- only 3 had winning records, Air Force, Miami-Ohio, Delaware. That will make no difference to audience or athletes in this traditional matchup that Army has won for four straight years. Today's victor goes to the Independence Bowl to play either Auburn or Louisiana State.

No. 1 Nebraska (10-1) vs. Texas (7-4) at St. Louis

Ahman Green, Cornhusker's No. 1 tailback, is hurt and won't play. They will roll out another one and roll over vulnerable Longhorn defense in this first Big 12 title match. Nebraska D (CAP D) is intractable. With a victory, the Cornhuksers will get a shot at a third consecutive national championship in the finale against Florida State at Sugar Bowl.

No. 4 Florida (10-1) vs. No. 17 Alabama (9-2) at Atlanta

This is the Southeastern Conference championship game and the winner will likely play in the Orange Bowl against Virginia Tech. It is also the last game for Gene Stallings, retiring Crimson Tide coach. Don't count out The Tide. Gators' Danny Wuerffel pleads for pass protection better than he had against Florida State. Florida will be hoping for a Nebraska loss that could knock the Huskers out of the Sugar Bowl and give the Gators another shot against Florida State.

No. 8 Brigham Young (12-1) vs. No. 16 Wyoming (10-1) at Las Vegas

This is the Western Athletic Conference championship contest. If BYU, after winning, is not included among the Alliance (CAP A) sextet for Fiesta or Orange bowl slot, then it will play in Cotton Bowl against Nebraska-Texas loser. It will also be fighting mad, and paint itself as a victim of a bowl-game popularity contest. The WAC No. 2 plays Wisconsin in Copper Bowl. B.Y.U.'s loss was to Washington, Cowboys' to San Diego State.